Talking About Life & Ministry: One on One

Tag: Church Conference Season

Well it’s begun. I am on the Heartland District this week meeting with clergy for our annual “One on One” times together. For those who may not be aware of this practice, every year clergy persons under appointment meet with their Superintendent to talk about how things are going in life and ministry.

I always insist on beginning the meeting with prayer and a focus on the person themselves rather than jumping too quickly into what’s happening at the church. I enjoy the opportunity to hear about spouses and children or for single clergy, other family and friends in their support structure. We talk about how spiritual life is going and what’s serving to enable a deep connection with God. It is usually a rich conversation. One that is very important to me as Superintendent.

To be sure, we move on to talk about the church in detail as well. We talk about the mission, the joys and the challenges that the past year has brought. We talk about the evaluation from the SPRC or other evaluating group, and from that we talk about places of strength and effectiveness, and places where growth is needed. We look at the future and what might be next, in the midst of the joys and struggles of the present.

And so as we begin this year’s round of One on Ones I must tell you I again, I’m excited! Oh, they make for long days and coupled with church conferences (which start soon), long evenings and nights as well. But it is really incredibly rewarding for the most part. We have awesome pastors! We have skilled and gifted clergy! We are blessed with leaders who love God and love the Church and long to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. And I get the honor and privilege of hearing from and working with them all!

This really is a great job!!

Peace,
Bill

P.S. I’m taking a hiatus from writing my weekly DS Castings in order to prepare for more One on One’s and the beginning of church conference season! As the song says, “See you in September!”